Bux Pain Management
Board Certified Anesthesiologist located in Lexington, Cynthiana, & Danville, KY
Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain occurs when the joint connecting the spine and pelvis becomes inflamed or irritated, causing pain in the lower back, buttocks, groin, or legs. A sacroiliac joint injection is a minimally invasive treatment that delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected joint to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help confirm whether the SI joint is the source of symptoms.
At Bux Pain Management, Dr. Anjum Bux uses image-guided SI joint injections to help patients throughout Lexington, and Danville, Kentucky, find lasting relief from chronic SI joint pain. No surgery needed.
What are the benefits of Sacroiliac Joint Injections?
Sacroiliac joint injections can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and help confirm whether the SI joint is the source of your symptoms. By delivering medication directly into the affected joint, they provide targeted treatment and valuable diagnostic information at the same time. Key benefits include:
Targeted pain relief
The steroid injection is delivered directly into the affected sacroiliac joint, concentrating its anti-inflammatory effect exactly where the discomfort begins for focused, localized pain relief.
Diagnostic confirmation of pain source
A diagnostic SI joint injection helps your provider confirm whether the sacroiliac joint is the source of your pain. Meaningful relief after the injection strongly indicates SI joint dysfunction.
Minimally invasive procedure
Using ultrasound or X-ray guidance, the injection is performed through a single needle with no incision. It is a low-risk alternative to surgery.
Non-surgical treatment option
SI joint injections relieve sacroiliac joint pain without surgery or reliance on long-term pain medication, making them an excellent first-line treatment.
Improved mobility and function
As inflammation in the joint subsides, many patients regain the ability to walk, sit, and move comfortably, which often makes physical therapy more effective.
Long-lasting pain relief
The therapeutic steroid medication can ease SI joint pain for weeks to months, giving the joint time to recover and supporting a longer-term pain management plan.
Faster recovery and same-day discharge
The procedure takes only minutes, and most patients are discharged the same day with minimal downtime before returning to normal physical activity.
Where is the SI Joint located?
The sacroiliac joints sit at the base of the spine, where the triangular sacrum meets the iliac bones of the pelvis, roughly on either side of the lower back, just above the buttocks. You have two SI joints, one on the left and one on the right. These joints connect the spine to the pelvis and act as shock absorbers, stabilizing the body and transferring load between your upper body and legs. Because of this central role, sacroiliac joint dysfunction can produce pain in the lower back, hips, buttocks, and thighs.
Bux Pain Management’s SI Joint Injections Procedure Process
At Bux Pain Management, Dr. Anjum Bux and our team provide comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based treatments for patients experiencing SI joint pain. We take the time to understand the source of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan focused on improving function, mobility, and quality of life. Here’s what you can expect during the SI joint injection process:
Preparation for the Injection
Addressing your pain starts with a consultation with Dr. Anjum Bux. We provide an initial assessment of your symptoms, discuss your best treatment options, and determine whether a sacroiliac joint pain treatment is the right pain-relieving route for you. If yes, we will schedule your procedure.
During the Procedure
In the clinic, you will be asked to lie down while the attending healthcare specialist cleans and sterilizes the injection site. The specialist administers a numbing medication (a local anesthetic) to keep you comfortable throughout the process.
An X-ray or ultrasound image then helps us guide the needle precisely into the SI joint space, where the steroid medication does its job. While SI joint shots are certified safe, minor side effects such as irritation, swelling, soreness, or a brief skin reaction may occur in some cases. It is important to follow post-procedure care instructions for the best outcomes.
Post-Procedure Care
After the injection, you will be monitored for any adverse reactions or complications. If there is no allergic response or increased pain, you may be discharged the same day, typically within one hour of the procedure. You will be instructed to rest, avoid strenuous activity, and watch the injection site for any discharge, itching, redness, or swelling. Most patients experience pain relief within two to seven days following the injection.
What Are the Risks of Sacroiliac Joint Injections?
SI joint injections are generally safe, but as with any therapeutic injection, there are a few possible risks:
- Injection site pain, swelling, bruising, or bleeding
- Temporary increase in pain after the injection
- Infection at the injection site
- Allergic reaction to the medication or anesthetic
- Tissue or joint damage from repeated steroid injections
Who Needs SI Joint Injections?
If you experience any of the following, you might be suffering from SI joint dysfunction and could benefit from sacroiliac joint injections:
- Pain when walking, standing, or climbing stairs
- Discomfort when staying in one position for too long
- Chronic lower back pain
- Pain in the buttocks, groin, or thighs
Chronic low back pain and SI pain that lingers despite rest are common reasons patients seek care. It is important that a pain management specialist evaluate, diagnose, and treat your condition so you receive the most effective treatment for your sacroiliac joint pain. Our board-certified specialist at Bux Pain Management will assess your symptoms and recommend the right course of care.
Why Choose Bux Pain Management for SI Joint Injections?
At Bux Pain Management, sacroiliac joint injections are performed using advanced image guidance to ensure precise medication placement and optimal results. Dr. Anjum Bux takes the time to identify the true source of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan focused on improving function, mobility, and quality of life.
Whether your SI joint pain is caused by arthritis, injury, or chronic joint dysfunction, our team is committed to providing effective, minimally invasive care in a supportive and compassionate environment. With locations in Lexington, Cynthiana, and Danville, we help patients throughout Central Kentucky find lasting relief and get back to the activities they enjoy.
FAQs
How long does the SI joint injection procedure take?
The procedure takes 20–40 minutes. Patients are also advised to allow at least 12 hours of recovery time after the procedure.
How does the SI joint injection work?
The SI joint injection process involves injecting local anesthetic and corticosteroids directly into the area surrounding the sacroiliac joint. This helps address chronic pain and reduces inflammation at the source.
What are the potential side effects of SI joint injections?
SI joint injections are generally safe, but like any medical procedure, they may have some potential side effects, including discomfort, irritation, or bleeding at the injection site, allergy, soreness, swelling, tingling, and rashes. Rare side effects may include infection and bruising.
What can you not do after SI joint injections?
Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and intense exercise for the first 24 hours after your injection. Do not soak the injection site in a bath, pool, or hot tub that day, and follow your provider’s post-procedure instructions before resuming normal physical activity.
What happens if SI joint injections don’t work?
If an SI joint injection does not provide relief, it may indicate that the sacroiliac joint is not the primary source of your pain, or that a different approach is needed.
What is the SI joint injection needle size?
SI joint injections are performed using a thin needle that is carefully guided into the sacroiliac joint using ultrasound or fluoroscopic (x-ray) imaging. The exact needle size varies depending on your anatomy and the technique used, but the procedure is designed to be as comfortable and minimally invasive as possible.
Are sacroiliac joint injections painful?
Most patients feel only brief discomfort. A local anesthetic numbs the injection site beforehand, so you generally feel pressure rather than sharp pain during the procedure. Mild soreness afterward is normal and short-lived.
Is an SI Joint Injection the Right Treatment for You?
Sacroiliac joint injections may be an effective treatment option for patients whose symptoms are believed to originate from the SI joint. These minimally invasive injections can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and provide valuable diagnostic information to guide future treatment decisions. A comprehensive evaluation is the best way to determine whether an SI joint injection is appropriate for your specific condition.
For many patients, SI joint injections are one part of a broader pain management plan that may also include physical therapy, exercise, and other conservative treatments designed to improve strength, mobility, and long-term function. Special considerations may apply for certain patients, including those who are pregnant or have other underlying health conditions.
At Bux Pain Management, Dr. Anjum Bux and our team take the time to understand the source of your pain and recommend the treatment options best suited to your needs. If you’re experiencing SI joint pain or have questions about whether SI joint injections are appropriate during pregnancy, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn more about your treatment options.
